Readers' election endorsements

As one active in Dryden town matters, I saw board members Jason Leifer and Linda Lavine work with board candidate Deborah Cipolla-Dennis to win a fracking ban and use zoning for balanced development in our beautiful town. I’m for Leifer for Dryden supervisor, and Lavine and Cipolla-Dennis for Town Board.

JOSEPH M. WILSON

ITHACA

On Nov. 3, I’m happy to be able to vote for a Dryden team that’s innovative, trustworthy and well-versed in budgeting, oversight, and public policy. I like that they can be trusted to represent all corners of our vast town. Please help elect Jason Leifer, Linda Lavine and Deborah Cipolla-Dennis.

KATHY ZAHLER

FREEVILLE

Jason Leifer is experienced and well qualified to be our next Dryden town supervisor. He knows the people, the issues, and how to be fair. Working with Councilperson Linda Lavine, and new Town Board candidate Deborah Cipolla-Dennis, he will promote solid teamwork to protect our taxpayers and our community.

MIKE LANE

DRYDEN

Having lived in Dryden for many years, I have great interest in town affairs, including town government. I believe that Jason Leifer as supervisor, Linda Lavine and Deborah Cipolla-Dennis as councilpersons have the experience and dedication to serve us well in these offices. Please vote for them on Nov. 3.

MARTHA FERGER

DRYDEN

Vote Nov. 3 to keep Dryden protected. Jason Leifer, with years of experience on the town board, is running for town supervisor. Linda Lavine is up for her second board term. First-time candidate Deborah Cipolla-Dennis has attended board meetings regularly. For experienced leadership, vote Leifer, Lavine, Cipolla-Dennis.

MARIE McRAE

FREEVILLE

Dryden voters have a stark choice Nov. 3. Leadership: Leifer, Lavine and Cipolla-Dennis fought for and won a fracking ban. Or finger-pointing: Schutt mismanages hundreds of thousands of dollars at the agency he directed, but blames the all-volunteer board. His running mates think he can manage Dryden’s budget. I don’t.

MARTHA ROBERTSON

DRYDEN

Dryden residents have a particular opportunity on Nov. 3 to choose to move forward with new initiatives for sustainable economic development or revert back to an era where the town cuts services and where developers decide for you what’s best for our communities. Vote for Leifer, Lavine and Cipolla-Dennis.

JAMES SKALEY

DRYDEN

As a businesswoman living in Dryden, I will vote for Jason Leifer for supervisor, Linda Lavine and Deborah Cipolla-Dennis for Town Board on Nov. 3. They will continue to run a tight ship in Dryden — careful spending, balanced growth, equitable sharing of services — all within the town’s budget.

LINDA S. PARKS

FREEVILLE

As a retired farmer and businessman, I know Dryden supervisor candidate Jason Leifer and Town Board candidates Linda Lavine and Deborah Cipolla-Dennis are fiscally responsible. They will see that the town’s needs are met within available resources and that services are shared fairly. Vote Leifer, Lavine, Cipolla-Dennis Nov. 3. Protect Dryden!

I support Jason Leifer for Dryden town supervisor. He serves on the board, understands the issues, and has the experience to handle a $5.3 million budget. His opponent led the Tompkins County Soil & Water Conservation District into huge debts, then blamed his fiscal mismanagement on his volunteer board.

JEANETTE KNAPP

ITHACA

My friend and neighbor, Linda Lavine, is running for a second term on the Dryden Town Board. Whether she’s fighting hard for a fracking ban, keeping a keen eye on budget expenses, or preserving green spaces and providing hiking trails, Linda works for the greater good of our town.

JAN SHAY

DRYDEN

As a longtime Dryden resident, I urge my neighbors to vote Nov. 3. Jason Leifer, Linda Levine and Deborah Cipolla-Dennis are focused on growing local businesses, keeping taxes low, open government and protecting our precious environment. Let’s not miss the opportunity to put them in office working for us.

DAN LAMB

FREEVILLE

Dryden supervisor candidate Jason Leifer led in bringing community activities town-wide. Town Board member Linda Lavine helped us save tens of thousands of dollars during the court fight for our fracking ban. Deb Cipolla-Dennis is an experienced program manager at Cornell. Vote for this great team Nov. 3. Protect Dryden!

NANCY KLEINROCK

ITHACA

Jason Leifer, Linda Lavine and Deborah Cipolla-Dennis will apply fiscal discipline to their concerns for local control of community assets and growth. Keep experienced board members Leifer and Lavine; add Cipolla-Dennis with her management skills, and they are a winning leadership team.

CHRISTOPHER BAURLE

DRYDEN

The Democrat and Protecting Dryden candidates in the Dryden election have the honesty, financial integrity and competence to handle the taxpayers’ money. I am supporting Jason Leifer for supervisor, Linda Lavine, and Deborah Cipolla-Dennis for Town Board on Nov. 3.

DAVID RICE

ITHACA

I’m voting for Jason Leifer, Linda Lavine and Deborah Cipolla-Dennis in the Dryden Town elections. They will continue to support the local community centers, an expansion of our trail system, the Dryden Farmer’s Market, the Varna Plan and the town’s comprehensive plan, and do so within the budget.

VIC KOSCHMANN

DRYDEN

As residents concerned about the future of Dryden, we will vote Nov. 3 for Jason Leifer for supervisor, and Linda Lavine and Deborah Cipolla-Dennis for the Town Board. Combined, they have the know-how to keep spending in check and see that town services are shared fairly.

SUSAN LANG AND TOM SCHNEIDER

ITHACA

If you like paying high taxes with minimal services, vote for the Democrats. If you want to see Dryden thrive, your kids playing in safe parks, and your tax dollars put to good use, then join me in voting for the responsible candidates: Craig Schutt, Craig Anderson and Tom Hatfield.

CHRIS BIEBER

DRYDEN

On Nov. 3, I will vote for Jason Leifer for town supervisor plus Linda Lavine and Deborah Cipolla-Dennis for Town Board. They will continue Protecting Dryden — our precious and fragile environment, through home rule, through long term planning, through fiscal accountability.

NANCY MILLER

TOWN OF DRYDEN

School taxes are the reason Dryden has a high tax burden. Our town tax rate is toward the low end in the county. Jason Leifer, Linda Lavine and Deborah Cipolla-Dennis understand town finance. They deserve Dryden’s vote on Nov, 3.

MICHAEL MURPHY

DRYDEN

In the Town of Dryden, Jason Leifer is running for supervisor, and Linda Lavine and Deborah Cipolla-Dennis are running for town board. They are honest and straightforward, and have significant experience and excellent records in public service and administration. They are moderate and responsible in thoughts and actions.

MARTY HATCH

DRYDEN

We need to elect candidates dedicated to protecting Dryden. Jason Leifer has worked tirelessly for many years to protect Dryden from fracking. Linda Lavine has shown herself to be most knowledgeable in town board meetings. Deborah Cipolla-Dennis has considerable financial experience, a valuable asset for the board.

PETER J. DAVIES

TOWN OF DRYDEN

Town of Hector

Justin Boyette and Debra Reid, candidates for Hector Town Board, have a long-range vision for Hector — for a rural, peaceful countryside in pristine condition, welcoming small businesses, farms, wineries and tourist establishments, investing in renewable energy and maintaining a thriving and sustainable economy. They deserve your vote.

ELIZABETH ADAMS

HECTOR

Please help elect Debra Reid and Justin Boyette to the Hector Town Council. Responsiveness to residents, fiscal responsibility, support and growth of small, sustainable businesses, and promotion of alternate energy sources are a few examples of what these capable candidates endorse.

SHIRLEY BARTON

TOWN OF HECTOR

Town of Newfield

Newfield Proud. Powers and Allinger for town board. Leaders. Powers launched the effort that resulted in a townwide ban on a Waste Transfer Station. Tenacity. Allinger served as leader of the Old Home Days Committee and president of the Newfield Public Library 10 years combined. Dedication. Time to lead again.

RICHARD G. DRISCOLL

NEWFIELD

Casey Powers has been a thoughtful and positive presence on the Newfield Town Board. From years of service to our town, she knows it well and has always supported what is good for the community as a whole. Newfield is fortunate she is running for a second term.

MARIE TERLIZZI

NEWFIELD

Newfield needs Mike Allinger, as he truly believes we must plan for our future. He is committed to our community and brings expertise that will be an asset to Newfield. Mike understands finances and has a strong computer background. Please join me in voting for him.

RANDY B. BROWN

NEWFIELD

I have known Casey Powers for 25 years and am pleased to offer my endorsement. Casey consistently demonstrates a thoughtful, intelligent approach to town issues. She is a proactive leader willing to tackle difficult problems. Vote for Casey Powers on Nov. 3; she is a proven asset to our community.

JOANNE JAMES

NEWFIELD

Town of Groton

Good zoning prevents problems, yet the majority of the Groton Town Board were unwilling to prepare for fracking. We must especially protect areas of the town without water and sewer with standards for apartments to avoid a crisis like that in the village. Vote Ed Neuhauser, Neil Snyder and Loueen Rosenbush.

LORI C. GARDNER

GROTON

It is time for a change in Groton. To preserve our air, water and rural quality of life, please join me in supporting Ed Neuhauser for town supervisor, and Neal Snyder and Loueen Rosenbush for Town Board. It is time to have elected officials who will listen to us.

JOHN A. GAINES IV

GROTON

Tompkins County

I know Anna Kelles from her involvement with the old library, including her work to organize residents around the Dewitt Park Neighborhood Association. Anna understood how neighborhood groups can encourage participatory democracy. Anna understands listening to constituents comes first, and no one will fight harder for them in the county legislature.

JOHN GRAVES

ITHACA

Anna Kelles knows how to make government work. Some time ago, Anna joined our sustainable energy study group and helped us win a $100,000 NYSERDA grant for the Ithaca Community Microgrid. I definitely want Anna Kelles on the county legislature to help shape the future of local energy production.

BRUCE ABBOTT

ITHACA

I met Anna Kelles planning the Food Justice Summit (2011). She is called to nourish our community equitably and sustainably. Her Ph.D in nutrition and lifelong activism speak to her capacity, but it is Anna’s tireless dedication to listen and serve that makes her my choice for our county legislator.

EMMA FRISCH

ITHACA

Anna Kelles’ capacity, and in fact her need to dig into and completely understand a situation before she makes a decision, and the integrity with which does so, are traits of hers that matter a great deal to me, and that’s why I’ll be voting for Anna on Nov. 3.

ROBERT SCHOLL

ITHACA

Please consider voting for Nate Shinagawa for county legislator representing District 2 on Nov. 3. As a productive, progressive member of the legislature, Nate has proven he is very skilled at working both with those who agree with him and those who don’t to produce positive actions for the community.

ETHAN STEPHENSON

FALL CREEK

Amid all the ageist rhetoric around Elie Kirshner’s candidacy for county legislature, people have lost sight of the fact that he is smart, committed, honest, a lifelong resident and the only candidate talking about issues I care about. District 4 residents, please vote for Elie Kirshner on Nov. 3.

OLIVIA LUTWAK

ITHACA

I support Elie Kirshner for Tompkins County Legislature. As co-founder of the Collegetown Small Business Alliance, I’ve been very fortunate to work with Elie, as he’s united local businesses and officials to foster productive, positive talks. Elie’s devotion, passion and professional finesse make amazing things happen.

MARTY JOHNSON

ITHACA

4th District registered voters, vote for your choice, write-in candidate Rich John. John, a Cornell grad, 50-year resident of Ithaca, 29 years an attorney, 18 years an East Hill resident, has the exceptional experience and background to represent all residents in your District. Write in Rich John.

LAWRENCE W. SIANY

ITHACA

Rich John should represent the 4th District. As a 50-plus-year resident, he’s hard-working and dedicated to making Ithaca the best that it can be for all concerned. All sides of issues would be considered. The property owners and students would be well represented.

RAYMOND BORDONI

ITHACA

I’m supporting Anna Kelles because of her knowledge of the issues, combined with her understanding that inclusive, neighborhood-based representation, is the key to effective, progressive governance. Anna is the kind of discerning, hardworking, compassionate voice that will make for a great legislator. I will be voting for Anna Kelles on Nov. 3.

MATT RYAN

ITHACA

On Nov. 3 I will vote for the candidate that shares my community vision, Anna Kelles. Anna is a vocal advocate of sustainable housing that is built to fit the character of our neighborhood. Anna will devote herself to represent us and will be accessible and accountable.

PEG LACEY

ITHACA

We need bright, concerned, young Ithacans to take their place in local government. Svante Myrick did in Ithaca, and Elie Kirshner would like to on the county legislature. Good for him and good for us.

ISAAC KRAMNICK

ITHACA

Fall Creek District 2 deserves a capable legislator fully committed to the office who can offer and deliver consistent representation. Anna Kelles is that candidate. Anna’s position on tax abatement reform and transparency, and responsible commercial and retail development, show her to be the candidate more in tune with our community’s values.

PATTY SIPMAN

ITHACA

I know Anna Kelles from her volunteer work on creating a more equitable and sustainable local food system. I’m impressed by her enthusiasm, commitment and skills, and believe she’ll be a diligent, effective county legislator. For this former Fifth Ward Council representative (and lifelong Democrat), Anna is the clear choice.

DAN HOFFMAN

ITHACA

I hope you will join in voting for Anna Kelles for county legislator. It is rare to have a chance to vote for someone as committed, as concerned about citizen engagement in governance, and with as much time to devote to the job. She can help lead the change needed.

MARGHERITA FABRIZIO

ITHACA

I wish to add my voice to those who support Anna Kelles. I appreciate her deep commitment to the democratic process and her commitment to sustainable economic development. She has demonstrated her ability to organize and speak up for the working men and women of our community.

JEFF FURMAN

ITHACA

My county legislature colleague Nate Shinagawa is a smart, energetic man, but has lived in Collegetown the last decade and works in Pennsylvania. Anna Kelles, longtime resident of Fall Creek District 4, also intelligent and energetic, can really represent the interests and concerns of this neighborhood. I enthusiastically endorse Anna.

DOOLEY KIEFER

ITHACA

I am endorsing Anna Kelles, not only because of her positions on the issues of housing, energy and services, but also because I believe she brings a sense of urgency to finding solutions to the two most pressing issues of our times, climate change and equity.

KIRBY EDMONDS

ITHACA

I believe that Rich John has the prerequisite experience to give us the full benefit of his skill. Mr. John has already demonstrated that he has a thoughtful, progressive outlook that will be representative of a diverse district that is more than just the Collegetown community.

JOAN SPIELHOLZ

ITHACA

I believe Anna Kelles has the fortitude to stand up to opposition for change. Her honesty and willingness to listen, are qualities I hope to see in any elected official. The entire time I have known Anna, she has been a strong advocate for social justice and sustainability.

MARCUS WILLIAMEE

ITHACA

City of Ithaca

I enthusiastically support Ducson Nguyen’s candidacy for City of Ithaca 2nd Ward alderperson. We first met while volunteering for one of Tompkins Connect’s volunteer events, and Duc now sits on the board. He is a smart, honest and hard-working person. He loves the city and is committed to helping residents.

JENNIFER BEST

ITHACA

George McGonigal has involved District 1 residents in many of the issues the City Council has been dealing with. He’s then represented our views and added his own down-to-earth sense, usually asking one of the most useful and important questions on the issue during discussion. Vote George on Nov. 3rd.

DAVE RITCHIE

ITHACA

Town of Lansing

Please re-elect Kathy Miller as Lansing town supervisor. She takes the time to become well informed on issues related to the town, has shown a respectful bipartisan approach to her duties and, most importantly, she works well with others. I know this from working on town committees with her.

TOM BUTLER

GROTON

I’ve worked with Katrina Binkewicz for three years restoring Salt Point, and admire her commitment to all its users — hunters, fishermen, birders, recreationalists and those seeking a quiet place to appreciate nature. A vote for Katrina Binkewicz as a town board member is a vote for all in Lansing.

CANDACE CORNELL

ITHACA

Support Kathy Miller, Andra Benson and Katrina Bickewicz for Lansing Town Board. They have experience, integrity, and are fiscal conservatives. Katrina has led the positive transformation of Salt Point, Andra is a longtime organic dairy farmer, Kathy has led the town with an inclusive vision for the future.

PHILIP SNYDER AND PATRICIA PAINE

LANSING

I endorse Katrina Binkewicz for Town of Lansing board. Katrina has served the town as a board member, volunteer and landscaper for the Town Hall. She has integrity, character, is a positive problem-solver, listens respectfully and is compassionate. I urge Village and Town of Lansing residents to vote for Katrina.

LYNN LEOPOLD

ITHACA

We strongly support the re-election of Kathy Miller as Lansing town supervisor. Her mission is to plan for town growth and protect our environment to maintain our community’s character. Kathy’s an honest, hard-working leader who listens to all points of view, not just a select few. Vote for Kathy Miller

SUE AND STEVE RUOFF

LANSING

The future of Lansing is at a crossroads. We urge all Lansing voters to support the able and dedicated Democratic candidates Kathy Miller, Andra Benson and Katrina Binkewicz so they can continue to serve our town, ensuring a future of fiscal responsibility and planned development.

LOLA AND ALEX WINTER

ITHACA

I urge voters in both the Village and Town of Lansing to vote on Nov. 3 for three outstanding Democratic candidates: Kathy Miller for town supervisor, and Katrina Binkewicz and Andra Benson for Town Board. Together, they will work to mitigate sprawl, plan long-range, and welcome business to Lansing.

PAT PRYOR

FREEVILLE

My wife, Willie (deceased), and I have enjoyed life in Ludlowville for more than 30 years. It has been good for us to have the leadership of Kathy Miller as our town supervisor. Words do not do justice to her competent pragmatic, responsible actions on behalf of those she represents so well.

BILL GILMORE

LANSING

The Town of Lansing commissioned a survey for the Comprehensive Plan. Two-thirds of the town residents supported a ban on gas fracking. The three men on the Town Board have not acted in the residents’ interest. Please consider who you will elect if a land use ordinance ban is your concern.